Workplace Substance Use Case Management

An experienced case manager keeps the process moving, the decisions consistent, and the focus where it belongs.

When an employee tests positive, makes a voluntary disclosure, or raises concerns about substance use, employers are often faced with difficult decisions.

Protecting workplace safety matters.

Treating employees fairly matters.

Meeting legal and human rights obligations matters.

Knowing how to balance those responsibilities isn't always straightforward.

The moment may be immediate. The solution rarely is.

A well-managed case doesn't rely on a single decision. It follows a structured process that helps employers respond consistently, protect workplace safety, support employees where appropriate, and reduce organizational risk.

What Does Case Management Involve?

Every situation is different.

Some begin with a positive drug or alcohol test. Others involve a voluntary disclosure, concerns about performance, a return-to-work plan, or questions about fitness for duty.

Whatever the circumstances, an effective case management process brings structure to situations that are often complex, sensitive, and time-critical.

It may include:

  • Coordinating assessments and recommendations
  • Working with treatment providers and other specialists
  • Accessing necessary resources in a timely manner
  • Developing return-to-work plans
  • Monitoring ongoing compliance
  • Addressing accommodation and human rights considerations
  • Guiding communication and documentation
  • Supporting supervisors and management throughout the process

The goal isn't simply to respond to today's issue. It's to ensure every decision that follows is informed, consistent, and defensible.

Experience Matters

Every case is different because every person, every workplace, and every circumstance is different.

What appears straightforward at first can quickly become more complex as medical information, workplace policies, operational realities, legal obligations, employee rights, and individual circumstances all come into play.

Experience is about recognizing the issues others may not see and understanding what comes next.

For more than two decades, Nadine Wentzell has helped employers navigate complex workplace substance use situations across Canada and internationally. Drawing on her background in pharmacy, policy development, education, and case management, she helps employers work through challenging situations using a practical, objective process.

Nadine's role is to help employers make informed decisions that are consistent, well-documented, fact-based, and able to withstand scrutiny.

Nadine Wentzell
Book an Initial Consult

Every difficult decision benefits from an objective process.

The decisions made after a workplace substance use concern can affect people, workplace safety, operations, and organizational risk long after the initial event.

You don't have to navigate those decisions alone. Let's start with a conversation.

Contact Nadine (info below) to discuss your situation and determine the most appropriate next step.